Taoiseach tests negative for Covid-19 

Mr Martin underwent the test as a precaution following French President Emmanuel Macron's positive test earlier today. The pair were together at last week's European Council meetings in Brussels.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has tested negative for Covid-19 after being identified as a close contact of French President Emmanuel Macron. 

Mr Martin was restricting his contacts this afternoon while waiting for the results of his rapid test.

He underwent the test as a precaution following French President Emmanuel Macron's positive test earlier today. The pair were together at last week's European Council meetings in Brussels.

A spokesperson for the Taoiseach confirmed that Mr Martin worked alone from his office in Government Buildings while awaiting a result and had cancelled a small number of events.

The Taoiseach will return to normal working arrangements after his negative test result. 

Mr Martin's results come as Justice Minister Helen McEntee announced she is restricting her movements this evening. 

A spokesman for the Minister confirmed she is a close contact of someone who is being tested after displaying symptoms, and as a result will restrict her movements pending the result of that test.

A statement from Mr Macron's office this morning confirmed that he had tested positive.

It said the president took a test “as soon as the first symptoms appeared”. The brief statement did not say what symptoms Mr Macron experienced.

It said he would isolate for seven days, adding: “He will continue to work and take care of his activities at a distance.”